Second suspect in custody in bus beating

CHESTER — A second alternative high school student was charged and remanded to the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center on Wednesday on offenses involving a videotaped assault on a Southeast Delco School District bus last week.

Another 16-year-old male student, who authorities believe threw punches that left 17-year-old Dylan Fonner with a bloody face and nose, was arrested Tuesday. He is being held at the detention center on aggravated and simple assault, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct, harassment and conspiracy offenses.

A right-to-detain hearing must be held for the teens within 72 hours, and they must then appear before a judge or master for a hearing within 10 days, authorities said.

“Because of the outrageous actions seen on the video, we will be seeking detention, adjudication and confinement,” Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan said following the first teen’s arrest. He also said he was still reviewing options to certify him as an adult.

The alleged offenders were among five students, four males and a female, from The County Alternative High School in Middletown aboard Southeast Delco Bus 37 when the assault occurred Oct. 9, during the afternoon ride back home.

Fonner and fellow student CJ Buonadonna were sitting side-by-side on the bus, a van, when they were assaulted by two other males, they said. Their parents, Jackee Fonner of Sharon Hill and John and Athena Buonadonna Blythe of Collingdale, filed a police report Monday with the Chester Police Department.

CJ Buonadonna arrived home that afternoon with a bump on his head and complaining of a headache, his parents said.

Jackee Fonner said Dylan, who was already sporting a cast on his hand after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle, suffered three chipped teeth in the attack, in addition to the bloody lip and nose.

He was treated at Taylor Hospital the day of the incident, she said.

Though the investigation remains open, Bail said no further charges are immediately pending against the female student on the bus.

“Right now, we are holding off on charging her and doing some re-interviews at the D.A.’s request,” Bail said Wednesday night.

On Tuesday, Whelan said he was still reviewing the bus driver’s conduct surrounding the incident.

The parents of both victimized teens had been satisfied with the action taken by the Southeast Delco School District and the Delaware County Intermediate Unit that oversees the alternative school until they saw the video.

Fonner said she cried. Athena Blythe said it was “10 times worse” than what she imagined from what her son told her. The parents were especially furious that the driver allegedly did nothing to stop the assault or render aid after it occurred.

The nearly 7-minute video was posted the afternoon of Oct. 10 on Facebook by one of the alleged offenders and tagged to the second male offender, as well as the female who was on the bus.